Albion players were furious after Tommy Elphick was penalised for handling the ball when he appeared to be just outside the area.

Referee Darren Sheldrake consulted with his assistant and pointed to the spot, allowing Pugh to send Casper Ankergren the wrong way and snatch a point.

On-loan Newcastle winger Kazenga LuaLua had smashed Brighton into the lead on the hour mark with a superb 25-yard drive.

Glenn Murray and Ashley Barnes squandered chances to extend their advantage while Cherries striker Lee Bradbury was relieved to see his headed backpass loop over keeper Shwan Jalal and come back of a post.